Our Learning

Our children will find meaning in what they do both at and outside of school, with site visit work in our community. Leaving preschool each day with new vocabulary, a heightened sense of curiosity, persistence to problem solve, cooperative play skills, and excited to communicate their new learning.

The role of the teacher in our preschools is to facilitate and pose questions designed to support the natural curiosity in each child, scaffolding their learning of new vocabulary and foundational academic skills in authentic ways using hands on project work in the natural science areas. Project work that includes the integration of traditional academic skills feeds children’s cognitive development. Developing the thinking, questioning, and investigation skills to be ready to enter kindergarten as independent and confident learners.

Curriculum

Through interests and the Indiana Preschool Foundations, children and teachers will engage in in-depth investigations that maximize each student’s potential and develop them into 21st century learners and leaders. The classroom is a language-rich, social environment. Communication skills, sharing, turn taking and play are at the forefront of our program.

While the schedule may vary, the Preschool day contains the following:

Structured Learning – Children are working on fine motor and readiness skills, such as sitting at a table to complete a task, independent practice, and social skills. Activities may include puzzles, stringing beads, counting objects, or using an eye dropper.

Community Circle – During this large group instruction, children listen to read alouds, participate in music and movement and learn social and self-regulation skills. This is also a time to discuss the daily schedule.

Small Group Instruction – Located in different parts of the room, children rotate from area to area to work independently and with adults. Knowing how to follow a routine and multi-step directions and how to complete a task are important school readiness skills.

Exploratory Play – This is open-ended time for children and adults to play with one another in areas of the room such as dramatic play, blocks, sensory table and light table. Exploratory Play allows children to expand upon their interests and build social-emotional skills.

Outdoor Play – Time on the playground, weather permitting.

Snack

Children also participate in Math Workshop and Writer’s Workshop and project-based learning.

At the HSE Preschool, we do not have weekly themes. Each class learns about topics of interest to the children. During the year, they may discuss:

Family

Friends

Community helpers

Transportation

Healthy bodies

Food

Animals

Weather/seasons

Insects

Plants

Authors

Learning will take place through read alouds, study trips, and hands-on activities to deepen children’s knowledge.

Progress Reports

At the end of the second nine weeks and at the end of the year, report cards will be available on Skyward. For students who receive services, a separate quarterly report will be sent home with information on IEP goal progress. Parent-teacher conferences will take place in October.

Our Mission

Hamilton Southeastern Schools as a forward-thinking school district, provides educational opportunities to ensure the success of each and every student, to become a responsible citizen and to positively influence an ever-changing world community.